Is Cowley, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Cowley, WY — Water Quality Report
Cowley's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 46 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cowley's water
Cowley ranks #18 out of 65 cities in Wyoming for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cowley relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Cowley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cowley, WY water safe to drink?
Cowley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cowley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cowley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-557). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cowley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cowley's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Big Horn County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 1978. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Shoshone River.
Where does Cowley's water come from?
Cowley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shoshone River (river).
What Cowley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cowley's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cowley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cowley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 107 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE LOVELL FACTORY LOVELL, WY82431 | Ammonia | 107 | 4.4 mi |
WYOMING LIME PRODUCERS FRANNIE, WY82423 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
CETCO LOVELL, WY82431 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBig Horn County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Big Horn County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 1978. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cowley compares by contaminant
Explore where Cowley ranks among all Wyoming cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cowley's water comes from
Cowley's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cowley
Cowley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cowley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COWLEY, TOWN OF | WY5600206 | 800 | GW |
How Cowley compares
Full Wyoming rankings →Cowley's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 55/100 among major Wyoming cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wyoming rankings →About Cowley, WY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cowley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Big Horn
Frequently asked questions
Is Cowley, WY tap water safe to drink?
Cowley's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 65 cities tested in Wyoming.
What contaminants are in Cowley's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Cowley's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Cowley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cowley's water come from?
Cowley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has Cowley's water system had?
Cowley has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cowley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cowley uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 46 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Cowley's water compare to other cities?
Cowley ranks #18 out of 65 cities in Wyoming (better than 72% of state cities) and #4689 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cowley's small water system affect quality?
Cowley's system serves approximately 800 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 46 violations on record.